Undoubtedly, the sun is a powerful energy source, and even though we are not able to collect a fraction of this energy. It is surprising to know that the energy sun provides to the earth for one hour could meet the global energy needs for one year. Harnessing this power by installing solar energy system can make a significant difference to the planet.
Thanks to available solar panel grants, solar energy has now proved to be extremely beneficial - not only for the environment but also for private economy.
Moreover, the increasingly competitive prices in the market, solar energy system has become the main source of energy for many families. The technology has been drastically improved in last years, and has been complemented by solar battery storage systems, turning solar into a significantly more efficient source of clean energy.
Advantages of Solar Energy
1. Technology Development
Technology is continuously advancing in the solar power industry and improvements will intensify in the future. Innovations in quantum physics and nanotechnology can potentially increase the effectiveness of solar panels and double, or even triple, the electrical input of the solar power systems
2. Renewable Energy Source
Among all the benefits of solar energy system, the most important thing is that solar energy is a truly green energy source, which can be harnessed in all areas of the world and is available every day. The best part is we cannot run out of solar energy, unlike some of the other sources of energy. Solar energy will be accessible, therefore sunlight will be available to us for at least 5 billion years when according to scientists the sun is going to die.
3. Diverse Applications
Solar energy can be used for different purposes. You can generate electricity (photovoltaics) or heat (solar thermal). Solar energy can be used to produce electricity in areas without access to the energy grid, to distill water in regions with limited clean water supplies and to power satellites in space. It can also be integrated into the materials used for buildings. Not long ago Sharp introduced transparent solar energy windows.
4. Low Maintenance Costs
Solar energy systems are maintained by keeping them relatively clean, so cleaning them a couple of times per year will do the job. For this, you can always rely on specialised cleaning companies. Most reliable solar panel manufacturers offer 20-25 years warranty.
The inverter is usually the only part that needs to be changed after 5-10 years because it is continuously working to convert solar energy into electricity and heat (solar PV vs. solar thermal). Apart from the inverter, the cables also need maintenance to ensure your solar power system runs at maximum efficiency.
5. Reduces Electricity Bills
Your energy bills will drop, since you will be meeting some of your energy needs with the electricity your solar system has generated. Moreover, not only will you be saving on the electricity bill, there is also a possibility to receive payments for the surplus energy that you export back to the grid. If you generate more electricity than you use (considering that your solar panel system is connected to the grid).